Haas, Stepanek lose in opening round of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships

Haas, Stepanek lose in opening round in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fourth-seeded Tommy Haas of Germany lost to Belgium’s Xavier Malisse 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 Wednesday in the opening round of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships.

Haas, a three-time winner in Memphis, struggled with his service game, putting 59 percent of his first serves in play and committing eight double faults.

Radek Stepanek, the No. 3 seed, lost to Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 7-6 (5), 7-5.

The elimination of Stepanek and Haas, coupled with No. 2 seed Fernando Verdasco losing Tuesday night, leaves only No. 1 Andy Roddick standing among the top four seeds.

Roddick, who lost to Verdasco in last week’s final at San Jose, was set to open play Wednesday night against James Blake.